Number of people who pass away intestate doubles

According to a YouGov survey, nearly two thirds of the British adult population do not have a Will.

When someone dies without making a Will it is known as dying Intestate. In other words they have died without leaving instructions about who should receive their property and as a result a law court will decide who inherits their estate. They may have personal effects that they wish to pass on to particular people after they die, but without a Will these items may not be passed on to the loved ones of their choice.

Unmarried partners and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a Will

If there are no surviving relatives who can inherit under the rules of intestacy, the estate passes to the Crown.

Citizens Advice says the number of enquiries about people who have died without making a Will has more than doubled over the past five years.

Lawyers say that it is vitally important for people to make a Will, especially those with children or property or financial investments. The benefits of making a Will are that the assets are divided among the family, friends and charities of the deceased person’s choice and it helps manage the amount of inheritance tax paid.

Dying without making a Will can cause financial stress for bereaved loved ones at a time they can least deal with it.

Peter Robinson & Co have an experienced team of experts that can help you write your Will and guide you through making the wider decisions to help protect your Estate and Beneficiaries.

Call us for advice on all aspects related to making a Will. If it’s straightforward or more complicated entrust Peter Robinson & Co. to help you.